Bird Watching: Osprey season 2010 - Two chicks in a shallow nest., 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
I'm glad you appreciated that, Burd. I don't know if Pete will.

Thanks, Pelle.

Yes, duc, I wonder if there is such a beast as a satisfied photographer. It is tough to watch these dramas unfolding and not being able to do anything about it. Undoubtedly such dramas have been occurring for tens of thousands of years, but it's when it's observed first hand that the toughness of nature really hits home.

Thanks, Resin. My understanding is that the one in the US has had 4 chicks on several occasions. Is this correct?

Thanks, Mrs Ed. It's good that you feel part of it.

Pete mentioned the dolphins in the river. They are having their own problems, but not associated with a lack of fish to feed on. We frequently see them slowly cruising by. Here's a couple that were part of a pod of four or five (dolphins are amazingly difficult to count) from the nest site a few days ago.

I've had a call from Madame X who has increasing concerns about the smaller chick. Just now, Big Hook was sitting on the bigger chick, but the little one was out on its own in the nest for twenty minutes before it somehow got back under its mother again. She did feed the smaller chick whilst Madame was watching, which is a good sign, but she says the size difference is now even more noticeable. This little one has a very tenuous hold on survival.

I didn't go to the nest yesterday because it was cold and wet and I can't go this afternoon. I'll keep you posted when I go tomorrow or if Madame contacts me in the meantime with any news.